Aberdour activist congratulated for clean up efforts

An Aberdour man is our latest “Hero of the Month” for his ongoing efforts to clear litter from Fife’s roads and verges, and his work with the wider community to encourage further awareness of the impacts of littering.

Glyn Chadwick has worked tirelessly for almost 20 years to help clear litter from the A921 and surrounding areas. Full of enthusiasm, Glyn will often get up at dawn to set about clearing litter from the roads before the traffic is at its peak. His activity now has the full support of Fife Council.

Glyn has spent a great deal of time reaching out into the wider community to encourage responsible littering behaviour - speaking to both schools and businesses in the area.

Glyn commented:

“I am really pleased to receive this award. Back in 1999 I was initially horrified to find the verges along the A921 littered with literally thousands of pieces of rubbish. Bottles, cans, you name it. The first time I did a clean up I filled 26 sacks!

“I am sad to say that the situation now is far worse than it was back in 1999. There is more traffic on the road, so more gets thrown out of car windows and council budget cuts have decimated litter-picking staff numbers. It would be great if there were more volunteers but because most of the problem areas are along fast roads, safety is a concern.

“I hope that by continuing to work closely with Fife Council, and organisations like Keep Scotland Beautiful, we can encourage more people to volunteer just small periods of time to pick up litter that is dropped, and overall stop people from littering in the first place.”

Dawn Jamieson, team manager for the Safer Communities Team at Fife Council, said:

“Congratulations to Glyn on his award, we’d also like to thank him for all of the work that he carries out in the community.

“If other people or groups would like to follow in Glyn's footsteps, please contact the Safer Communities Team who can provide you with the equipment you need.”

Nicola Turner, Community Projects Officer of Keep Scotland Beautiful said on presenting the award:

“I would like to congratulate Glyn for his continued commitment to keeping Fife’s roadsides free of litter. He sets a fantastic example to others in the area and his efforts really do help to deliver significant environmental improvements at a time when we know local environmental quality is in decline.

“88% of Scottish adults agreeing that roadside litter creates a negative impression of Scotland, and Keep Scotland Beautiful is campaigning to tackle the thoughtless littering behaviour that is ruining the view for everyone.

“It’s simple, give your litter a lift, take it home!”

The Clean Up Scotland Hero award is supported by Helping Hand Environmental which provides each Hero with a Clean Up kit - including a new Scottish litter picker and handy hoop. Find out how to nominate your litter hero here.